There were several reasons that I haven't been updating this blog- the primary reason being that I didn't really have the time. Any time that I had free between giving attention to classwork and my clients, my girlfriend and my clients, I really just didn't feel like blogging. Many times after my Maine trip, I sat down to write, but was pulled away or just didn't get this online. I'll likely keep this entry online for a bit so everyone can catch up, but I really felt like writing tonight, so please, enjoy.
Let me start by announcing that the Maine blog entries now have photos, so please take a [gander] if you're interested. It was a heck of a trip.
On the topic of trips, each weekend has been spent either here in Richmond with Michelle or up in Maryland with Michelle. Or somewhere else. We took a three-day trip to the Outer Banks with Eric and Kelly, which turned out to be an absolute blast. Thanks again, Hurds! The first day, we took waverunners out into the sound, another day we went kayaking...just a whole lot of fun. It was a great break, and very nice to get back to the Outer Banks again. This trip was twice in 2 months, so I guess it'll be a running streak for me and Michelle. Come to think of it, we're going again in September with her California friends, so this ought to be a two-month thing year-round!
Back in Richmond, the finishing touches were being put on Mike and Lauren's attic. When I arrived home from Maine, the painting was over, most of the tiling was complete, and the new floor had been put in. We did some shopping for a TV and receiver, fixed a few floorboards and worked on the bar a bit. Got the pool table lamps up and the pool table & sofa arrived, to essentially complete the attic. I left that Wednesday night for home. When I returned Saturday for the Attic Party ( link for that is [here] ), it was like a whole new room. Mike and Lauren put unbelievable amounts of last-minute energy into touch ups and beautifying the place. It was spectacular. Watching everyone mill around up there, throwing darts, shooting pool, hanging out at the bar, watching TV on the sofa, using the bathroom....it all gave me so much pride. I knew Mike was proud too- he did an amazing job. It really was a great day.
I got to show my parents the attic one weekend later when they came to Richmond to meet Michelle. They were very impressed, and it really gave me a sense of pride to show the attic to them. Even though it isn't mine, I felt a great sense of accomplishment- and I didn't even do all that much to the place. The credit goes to Mike and his amazing vision. I was glad to be a part of it though.
Congratulations to Stephen and Shannon Mackey, now proud parents of strapping young lad Tristan Connor!
My brother Dan and his wife Annie came to town, so Michelle and I joined them and my parents to tour some Loudon County vineyards. Our first stop was Notaviva Vineyards, where- as luck would have it- Steve, Shannon and Tristan had just stopped by. Steve was still out in the fields, so he gave us a tour. His recap is [here].
As I mentioned before, the primary reason for not blogging has been time. I started formalizing my housecalls and client work into a personal business. Through the past few months, I have completely transformed from a guy who helped people with technology stuff to a formalized technology consultant. It would be an understatement to say I have learned much this summer. All I can say is that I couldn't have done it without the support of Michelle, my family, and friends. I still have so much to do to get organized, but am working regardless. When I am caught up with organizing, I have no doubts that this will be an even bigger thing for me than it already has become. Watch out, world.
Last week, I finished my course in "Management of R&D and Innovation Processes" which took a lot more time than class has ever taken from me. I clearly remember six hours at the beach, sitting in a hotel lobby (to steal their wireless connection - hehe) working on a paper. I hate working on papers when I'm at the beach. So frustrating. My next class "TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER IN THE GLOBAL ECONOMY" begins Monday night. Here goes!
Just got back this weekend from Maryland with Michelle. What a great time! I tell ya- I just got kicked in the butt by love and dammit, I'm not afraid to blog about it. I have never been so happy.
We feel totally at home with her friends Orest and Teresa....about as at-home as we feel with Shel- both have opened their homes to us, which just means the world to us. While I'm excited at the prospect of having Michelle move to Richmond (which is happening sometime soon!) I am also sad that we'll be leaving her friends in Maryland. I am sure we'll keep putting miles on the car to visit, though, which gives me some comfort. I hope Michelle is just as comforted as I am, considering I've only known them a short while and already feel attached.
One weekend, after Michelle had a few interviews in Richmond, we went to Luray Caverns and took a trip to Skyline Drive. It was great to show that to her... I loved taking her up to the mountains. She hadn't seen much of Virginia before meeting me- and we've already explored a lot. There's still more to show, so I'll keep at it.
In getting organized with business, I also got around to fixing my old computer and cleaning the apartment. Not just cleaning really, more like a thorough scouring. Things that had been bugging me (like tangled wires behind the computer) got fixed. Pictures were hung, things were thrown out. More things were thrown out. The car got cleaned out. (I now know why Lauren likes a clean car. When it's your office, it drives you crazy to not have a clean car.)
Summer is typically quiet for TV, and even though I've been a busy bee, I've still kept up with TV. If you come here for my take on the boob tube, (and let's face it, who doesn't) here are my thoughts on some of the summer's big hits:
HBO's hit series Six Feet Under has finally ended. I won't spoil anything for those not yet caught up with Season 5, but - holy crap. I have never had a show draw so many emotions from me- ever. This show is truly a pioneer in television. Season 5 has wrapped me up so tightly with emotions that I find myself daydreaming, wondering how the Fishers are doing, and how they're going to handle the new problems presented in each episode. The show really got to me towards the end there. If you're a fan and haven't caught up yet, you'll see why. Great TV. I'll really miss it.
FX's Rescue Me is finally coming around for another strong season. It was touch-and-go there for a while, with lots of Jesus and Mary visions that I didn't really think too highly of. I don't mind when people have visions on TV, but c'mon...Jesus Christ smoking pot and drinking? That's pushing the envelope unnecessarily. They do that enough on this show already, don't they? Still, that stuff is fading out and what is left is a terrific series. Can't wait for Nip/Tuck!!
Family Guy seemed short-lived, but was excellent. I am glad they revitalized their series due to heavy DVD sales. Another series doing a similar thing was FireFly- well- they are releasing a movie based on fan feedback from their one-year long show. Michelle and her friends got me into it, and I've really been enjoying the series. I look forward to more. I'm also really wrapped up into Alias. (thanks, Olivia and Paul!) Olivia was cool enough to lend me the series 1 and 2 DVDs, so I've been catching up on those. I didn't think I'd dig the double-agent thing, but they're doing a really good job and not making the Hollywood mistakes about CIA that everyone seems to, so I don't mind it so much.
So, I guess that's it for now. I have three contracts to write before tomorrow afternoon. It's exciting stuff, diving head-first into business. Nothing I have done in the last two years was ever predicted by me, but it's shocking how comfortable I am taking these calculated risks. I feel prepared for the unknown, much wiser than even last month, and am ready to see what tomorrow brings.
